Natural cosmetics are the latest trend

Soaps, creams, make-up, suntan lotion and deodorant: Natural cosmetics are the latest trend and are becoming increasing popular. But how tolerable and free from harmful substances are they really? This is where the industry needs high-performance analysis systems and specific detection techniques. All this you can find at analytica in Munich.

Find all the leading manufacturers and startups focusing on cosmetics participating in analytica in our exhibitor directory.

New solutions for the cosmetics industry at the trend platform analytica

To protect the consumer, the declarations that appear on packaging must be unequivocally verifiable. That is why reliable testing of the origin and authenticity of ingredients and exactly identifying harmful and prohibited substances is essential. The increase in certifications in the natural cosmetics sector is increasing trust among consumers.

New solutions at the trend platform analytica

International experts present promising, future-oriented solutions for the cosmetics industry at the international trade fair analytica. You can see the latest developments, from laboratory equipment and highly specific analysis and bioanalysis methods to automation and evaluation techniques.

How safe and tolerable are natural products?

Laws require that, when used as directed, cosmetic products must be safe for the consumer. They may not contain any substances that can cause skin irritations or other health problems. As a result, some substance classes are prohibited for use in cosmetic products, and others are subject to specified limits. Each cosmetic product must undergo a toxicological safety evaluation to ensure that it does not present any health risk.

Monitoring from raw material to product

Cosmetics manufacturers are required to conduct their own tests to document the quality of the raw materials that they use. Monitoring agencies use risk-oriented spot checks to verify adherence to these legal regulations along the entire supply chain.

Mineral oils in organic cosmetics

Natural cosmetics may not contain any saturated or aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH and MOAH). Only vegetable fats and oils are permitted in these products. Paraffin, glycerin and the silicone substitute polyquaternium, which in many cases are incorrectly labeled as natural oils, are also extremely controversial at this time.

Carcinogenic substances in decorative cosmetics

Prohibited preservatives, dyes and formaldehyde as well as heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chrome and nickel are still being used in decorative cosmetics. Fan, carnival and theater makeup in particular have high levels of hazardous substances. The fact that children's makeup also tested positive for prohibited carcinogenic and mutagenic preservatives and dyes is particularly concerning. Even carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PACs) were detected in makeup sticks.

Next Generation technologies for the cosmetics industry

Isolating and characterizing natural substances and new plant-based derived ingredients are becoming increasingly important—both for the research and development of new active substances and for manufacturing biopharmaceuticals and natural cosmetics. Next-generation technologies continue to provide new impetus. The objective is to develop previously unimagined therapeutic approaches in dermatology and personalized functional processes in the future.